Day Twelve

As we travel about this great country seeing old friends and meeting new ones, one of the most delightful things we do is to give friendship bracelets to children and to many adults. The idea behind a friendship bracelet is sweet : a colorful representation of our connection. It reminds us of an African word used here frequently; Umbutu, which translates to "we are human together." We are human together. This small connection in giving a bracelet, is heartwarming in establishing an instant bond with its recipient who always responds with a beautiful smile. We are very grateful to the many artists at home who participated in making and sending the bracelets with us. Thank you to: Convent of the Visitation School: Mr. Steve Wright and the fifth grade, Ms. Kathryn Miller and the 3rd grade, Jennifer Parenteau and the 4th grade. Carondelet Catholic: Mrs. Beth Sousa, Ms. Ann Cook, Ms. Jennifer Gees and the entire fifth grade class. Alex and Gabi DeFiore, Windom grade school Adeline McNulty, Isabel McNulty, Paige O'Connell, Grace Moen and Dani Benson, Eagle Heights Spanish Immersion Grades 3,5 and 6 Hill-Murray High School Sophomores: Ella French, Caroline Cayot, Maggie Bianey, Sierra Gonzalez, Kiley Knutson, Hunter, Emilia, Julianna,Karolyn, the kids in the Club House at St. Wenceslaus. At this time we would also like to thank Mary Ann Keating, Jan Brook,Patti Pribyl Brown and Mary Jo Wolf for the donations of hand made sundresses and boys shorts. These delightful, colorful works of art were gratefully received and in many cases, very needed. Special mention to Doris Knettel who is with us on this trip who made the sundresses and friendship bracelets. Doris left her bracelet loom here for future artists. Thank you, too, to Arbie Oberg and others who made dozens of hand knit baby and children's hats.